Stephen Martin, DCM
Associate Professor
Director of Worship Studies
Director of the Angeles Worship Initiative
Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3109
Email: smartin@apu.edu
Office Location: Ronald Building, Room 105

Biography
Stephen Martin, DCM, is the director of worship studies and associate professor of music at Azusa Pacific University. Since 2011, he has overseen the development and expansion of the APU Worship Studies program, including comprehensive preparation in worship theology, design, technology, and leadership. Under his leadership, the program has expanded to include eight concentrations, an innovative Worship Studio curriculum, and a minor in worship leadership. He has raised more than two million dollars in grant funding, providing support for endeavors in worship, theology, and the arts.
He is the founding director of the Angeles Worship Initiative (AWI). Under his oversight, AWI has hosted participants from more than 200 churches and provided immersive experiences for those leading in ministry and worship. Included among AWI events are Worship Arts Lab, Angeles Worship Summit, Songwriting Academy, and Worship Forum.
His work in worship ministry and leadership spans more than twenty-five years, including a variety of conducting and speaking engagements. As an orchestrator and arranger, he has scored music for film, symphonic orchestra, big band, vocal jazz ensemble, and instrumental chamber groups.
He received his doctorate from Claremont Graduate University, his master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and his undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University.
He is the founding director of the Angeles Worship Initiative (AWI). Under his oversight, AWI has hosted participants from more than 200 churches and provided immersive experiences for those leading in ministry and worship. Included among AWI events are Worship Arts Lab, Angeles Worship Summit, Songwriting Academy, and Worship Forum.
His work in worship ministry and leadership spans more than twenty-five years, including a variety of conducting and speaking engagements. As an orchestrator and arranger, he has scored music for film, symphonic orchestra, big band, vocal jazz ensemble, and instrumental chamber groups.
He received his doctorate from Claremont Graduate University, his master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and his undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University.
Education
- DCM - Church Music (Conducting Emphasis) Claremont Graduate University
- MM - Trumpet Performance, University of Southern California
- BA - Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Education, Azusa Pacific University
Credentials/Certifications
- Commissioned Minister, Friends Church
Academic Area
- School of Music (College of the Arts)
- Undergraduate Programs
Expertise
- Arranging
- Orchestration
- Spiritual Formation
- Worship Leadership & Design
- Worship Theology
Courses Taught
- MUS 160 - Worship Leadership Formation
- MUS 203 - Languages of Worship
- MUS 296 - Introduction to Music Technology
- MUS 323 - Arranging I/Rehearsal Techniques
- MUS 363 - Instrumental Conducting
- MUS 367 - Technology for Worship
- MUS 375 - Worship Arts Leadership
- MUS 376 - Worship Design
- MUS 377 - Worship Studio I
- MUS 378 - Worship Studio II
- MUS 401 - Worship Studio III
- MUS 402 - Worship Studio IV
- MUS 423 - Orchestration
- MUS 441 - Music in Worship
- MUS 447 - Music in Worship Internship I
- MUS 454 - Music in Worship II/Capstone
- MUS 1C1 - Applied Composition
Office Hours
By appointment